Workers around the world demonstrate on May Day

International Workers Day demonstations around the world, from the tame to the violent.

May 1, 2013 10:53 AM

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Protestors cricle around a burning effigy of Philippine president Benigno Aquino and US president Barack Obama on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. Philippine workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to demand, among other things, better pay, an end to contractualization and layoff and the lowering of prices of basic commodities. Labor day is celebrated across South East Asia on May 1st and is seen as an opportunity to acknowledge the social and economic accomplishments of the workers. less

Protestors cricle around a burning effigy of Philippine president Benigno Aquino and US president Barack Obama on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. Philippine workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to ... more

People take part in a May Day demonstration in central Athens on May 1, 2013.

People take part in a May Day demonstration in central Athens on May 1, 2013.

Photo: ARIS MESSINIS, AFP/Getty Images

People take part in a May Day demonstration in central Athens on... Photo-4556252.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists march through the central business district on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Protestors were demanding the implimentation of higher minimum wages and better working conditions. less

Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists march through the central business district on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Protestors were demanding the implimentation of higher minimum wages and ... more

Photo: Ed Wray, Getty Images

Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists march through the... Photo-4556226.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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People put on a Guy Fawkes masks during a protest against the government's White Paper on Population and labour-related matters that affect Singaporeans at Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park on May 1, 2013 in Singapore. Thousands of protesters gathered today in an inaugural labour day protest against the 6.9 million population government white paper that revealed it could increase 30% to 6.9 million by 2030, angering residents who already see a strain on housing, transportation and healthcare. less

People put on a Guy Fawkes masks during a protest against the government's White Paper on Population and labour-related matters that affect Singaporeans at Speakers' Corner in Hong Lim Park on May 1, 2013 in ... more

Photo: Suhaimi Abdullah, Getty Images

People put on a Guy Fawkes masks during a protest against the... Photo-4556262.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Women dance a traditional Kurdish dance at the MyFest street food and music fest in immigrant-heavy Kreuzberg district on May Day on May 1, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. May Day, the international day of labour, is a national holiday in Germany and observed with gatherings by labour unions and political parties. In some cities, including Hamburg and Berlin, the day often ends with violent clashes between police and mostly left-wing demonstrators. less

Women dance a traditional Kurdish dance at the MyFest street food and music fest in immigrant-heavy Kreuzberg district on May Day on May 1, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. May Day, the international day of labour, is ... more

May Day demonstrators shout slogans in front of the Presidential Palace during a labor demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists marched through Jakarta's central business district, demanding the implementation of higher minimum wages and better working conditions. less

May Day demonstrators shout slogans in front of the Presidential Palace during a labor demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists marched through ... more

Photo: Ed Wray, Getty Images

May Day demonstrators shout slogans in front of the Presidential... Photo-4556224.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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A May Day demonstrator in body paint leads a group of union members and activists in a demonstration in front of the Presidential Palace May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists marched through Jakarta's central business district, demanding the implementation of higher minimum wages and better working conditions. less

A May Day demonstrator in body paint leads a group of union members and activists in a demonstration in front of the Presidential Palace May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tens of thousands of workers and ... more

Photo: Ed Wray, Getty Images

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A brass band plays during the annual May Day march on May 01, 2013 in London, England. Students, trade unionists, pensioners and activists staged a march through central London before gathering in Trafalgar Square to hear speeches. less

A brass band plays during the annual May Day march on May 01, 2013 in London, England. Students, trade unionists, pensioners and activists staged a march through central London before gathering in Trafalgar ... more

Photo: Dan Kitwood, Getty Images

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Traditional Javanese dancers perform in front of the Presidential Palace during a labor demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists marched through Jakarta's central business district, demanding the implementation of higher minimum wages and better working conditions. less

Traditional Javanese dancers perform in front of the Presidential Palace during a labor demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists marched through ... more

A young protestor flashes the v-sign as protesters gather at the start of the annual May Day march in Clerkenwell on May 01, 2013 in London, England. Students, trade unionists, pensioners and activists staged a march through central London before gathering in Trafalgar Square to hear speeches. less

A young protestor flashes the v-sign as protesters gather at the start of the annual May Day march in Clerkenwell on May 01, 2013 in London, England. Students, trade unionists, pensioners and activists staged a ... more

Photo: Dan Kitwood, Getty Images

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A woman stands amongst flags at the start of the annual May Day march in Clerkenwell on May 1, 2013 in London, England. Students, trade unionists, pensioners and activists staged a march through central London before gathering in Trafalgar Square to hear speeches. less

A woman stands amongst flags at the start of the annual May Day march in Clerkenwell on May 1, 2013 in London, England. Students, trade unionists, pensioners and activists staged a march through central London ... more

Photo: Dan Kitwood, Getty Images

A woman stands amongst flags at the start of the annual May Day... Photo-4556288.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Leftist demonstrators who had tied themselves together to prevent a Neo-Nazi demonstration are moved by police on May Day on May 1, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. May Day, the international day of labour, is a national holiday in Germany and observed with gatherings by labour unions and political parties. In some cities, including Hamburg and Berlin, the day often ends with violent clashes between police and mostly left-wing demonstrators. less

Leftist demonstrators who had tied themselves together to prevent a Neo-Nazi demonstration are moved by police on May Day on May 1, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. May Day, the international day of labour, is a ... more

Photo: Carsten Koall, Getty Images

Leftist demonstrators who had tied themselves together to prevent a... Photo-4556279.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Leftist demonstrators have tied themselves together to prevent a Neo-Nazi demonstration on May Day on May 1, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. May Day, the international day of labour, is a national holiday in Germany and observed with gatherings by labour unions and political parties. In some cities, including Hamburg and Berlin, the day often ends with violent clashes between police and mostly left-wing demonstrators. less

Leftist demonstrators have tied themselves together to prevent a Neo-Nazi demonstration on May Day on May 1, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. May Day, the international day of labour, is a national holiday in Germany ... more

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - MAY 01: Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists march through the central business district on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Protestors were demanding the implementation of higher minimum wages and better working conditions. less

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - MAY 01: Tens of thousands of workers and labor activists march through the central business district on May 1, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Protestors were demanding the implementation of ... more

Labor groups and trade unions march near the presidential palace on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. The Philippines workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to demand, among other things, better pay, an end to contractualization and lower prices of basic commodities. Labor day is celebrated across South East Asia on May 1st and is seen as an opportunity to acknowledge the social and economic accomplishments of the workers. less

Labor groups and trade unions march near the presidential palace on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. The Philippines workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to demand, among other things, better pay, ... more

Ukrainian Communists march and rally as they mark May Day in the centre of Kiev on May 1, 2013.

Ukrainian Communists march and rally as they mark May Day in the centre of Kiev on May 1, 2013.

Photo: SERGEI SUPINSKY, AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainian Communists march and rally as they mark May Day in the... Photo-4556236.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Policemen arrest a protestor as they rally against a march of Ukrainian Communists marking May Day in Kiev on May 1, 2013.

Policemen arrest a protestor as they rally against a march of Ukrainian Communists marking May Day in Kiev on May 1, 2013.

Photo: SERGEI SUPINSKY, AFP/Getty Images

Policemen arrest a protestor as they rally against a march of... Photo-4556235.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Masked protestors throw objects during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse hundreds of protesters who defied a Labour Day ban on demonstrations in a central part of Istanbul. The ban was imposed to avoid trouble during renovation work taking place at the symbolic Taksim square, a traditional rallying point. less

Masked protestors throw objects during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse hundreds of protesters ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Masked protestors throw objects during clashes at a May Day... Photo-4556233.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Members of of the pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) attend an official May Day rally in Minsk, on May 1, 2013.

Members of of the pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) attend an official May Day rally in Minsk, on May 1, 2013.

Photo: VIKTOR DRACHEV, AFP/Getty Images

Members of of the pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union... Photo-4556263.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Protestors stand at a makeshift barricade during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse hundreds of protesters who defied a Labour Day ban on demonstrations in a central part of Istanbul. The ban was imposed to avoid trouble during renovation work taking place at the symbolic Taksim square, a traditional rallying point. less

Protestors stand at a makeshift barricade during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse hundreds of ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Protestors stand at a makeshift barricade during clashes at a May... Photo-4556231.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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A protestor pulls a table to build a barricade during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse hundreds of protesters who defied a Labour Day ban on demonstrations in a central part of Istanbul. The ban was imposed to avoid trouble during renovation work taking place at the symbolic Taksim square, a traditional rallying point. less

A protestor pulls a table to build a barricade during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

A protestor pulls a table to build a barricade during clashes at a... Photo-4556234.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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A man holds a banner of the French Communist Party who demonstrate during the workers parade as part of the May Day rallies on May 1, 2013 in Nice, southeastern France.

A man holds a banner of the French Communist Party who demonstrate during the workers parade as part of the May Day rallies on May 1, 2013 in Nice, southeastern France.

Photo: VALERY HACHE, AFP/Getty Images

A man holds a banner of the French Communist Party who demonstrate... Photo-4556254.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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A masked policeman fires teargas during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse hundreds of protesters who defied a Labour Day ban on demonstrations in a central part of Istanbul. The ban was imposed to avoid trouble during renovation work taking place at the symbolic Taksim square, a traditional rallying point. less

A masked policeman fires teargas during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013 in Istanbul. Turkish riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Wednesday in a bid to disperse hundreds of ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

A masked policeman fires teargas during clashes at a May Day... Photo-4556230.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Members of leftist opposition groups take part in their traditional May Day rally in Moscow on May 1, 2013, with leftist leader and writer Eduard Limonov (2nd R) attending.

Members of leftist opposition groups take part in their traditional May Day rally in Moscow on May 1, 2013, with leftist leader and writer Eduard Limonov (2nd R) attending.

Photo: ANDREY SMIRNOV, AFP/Getty Images

Members of leftist opposition groups take part in their traditional... Photo-4556256.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Bangladeshi activists shout slogans and wave flags during a procession to mark May Day or International Workers Day in Dhaka on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis joined May Day protests Wednesday to demand the execution of textile bosses over the collapse of a factory complex, as rescuers warned the final toll could be more than 500. less

Bangladeshi activists shout slogans and wave flags during a procession to mark May Day or International Workers Day in Dhaka on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis joined May Day protests Wednesday ... more

Migrant workers from Indonesia carry flags and banners during a Labour Day rally in Hong Kong on May 1, 2013. In Hong Kong, one of Asia's beacons of capitalism, trade unions said they were expecting 5,000 people to march in support of striking dock workers. less

Migrant workers from Indonesia carry flags and banners during a Labour Day rally in Hong Kong on May 1, 2013. In Hong Kong, one of Asia's beacons of capitalism, trade unions said they were expecting 5,000 ... more

A protestor uses a catapult during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013, in Istanbul. Several people were injured on Wednesday as Turkish riot police used water canon and tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters who defied a May Day ban on demonstrations in a central part of Istanbul. less

A protestor uses a catapult during clashes at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013, in Istanbul. Several people were injured on Wednesday as Turkish riot police used water canon and tear gas to disperse ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

A protestor uses a catapult during clashes at a May Day... Photo-4556237.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Protestors throw stones during clashes with police at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013, in Istanbul. Several people were injured on Wednesday as Turkish riot police used water canon and tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters who defied a May Day ban on demonstrations in a central part of Istanbul. less

Protestors throw stones during clashes with police at a May Day demonstration on May 1, 2013, in Istanbul. Several people were injured on Wednesday as Turkish riot police used water canon and tear gas to ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Protestors throw stones during clashes with police at a May Day... Photo-4556242.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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A Sri Lankan ruling party activist, his head shaved and painted, carries a placard bearing the image of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse during a May Day rally in Colombo May 1, 2013. Sri Lanka tightened security for dozens of labour day rallies in the capital with the opposition using the occasion to focus on sharp increases in electricity and high living costs. less

A Sri Lankan ruling party activist, his head shaved and painted, carries a placard bearing the image of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse during a May Day rally in Colombo May 1, 2013. Sri Lanka tightened ... more

Photo: ISHARA S.KODIKARA, AFP/Getty Images

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An elderly man pictured during the Ukrainian Communists march and rally marking May Day in the center of Kiev on May 1, 2013.

An elderly man pictured during the Ukrainian Communists march and rally marking May Day in the center of Kiev on May 1, 2013.

Photo: SERGEI SUPINSKY, AFP/Getty Images

An elderly man pictured during the Ukrainian Communists march and... Photo-4556238.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Supporters of the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party reflect on an advertising box during a May Day march in Sofia on May 1, 2013. Bulgaria will holds snap parliamentary elections on May 12, 2013.

Supporters of the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party reflect on an advertising box during a May Day march in Sofia on May 1, 2013. Bulgaria will holds snap parliamentary elections on May 12, 2013.

Supporters of the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party take part in a May Day rally in Sofia on May 1, 2013. Bulgaria will holds snap parliamentary elections on May 12, 2013.

Supporters of the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party take part in a May Day rally in Sofia on May 1, 2013. Bulgaria will holds snap parliamentary elections on May 12, 2013.

Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF, AFP/Getty Images

Supporters of the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party take part in... Photo-4556247.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Demonstrators raise their fists during a demonstration on May 1, 2013. A strike stopped ferry services to the Greek islands and disrupted public transport in the capital Athens ahead of May Day protests Wednesday against Greece's prolonged economic austerity policies. less

Demonstrators raise their fists during a demonstration on May 1, 2013. A strike stopped ferry services to the Greek islands and disrupted public transport in the capital Athens ahead of May Day protests ... more

Photo: ARIS MESSINIS, AFP/Getty Images

Demonstrators raise their fists during a demonstration on May 1,... Photo-4556243.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Bangladeshi activists shout slogans and wave flags during a procession to mark May Day or International Workers Day in Dhaka on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis joined May Day protests Wednesday to demand the execution of textile bosses over the collapse of a factory complex, as rescuers warned the final toll could be more than 500. less

Bangladeshi activists shout slogans and wave flags during a procession to mark May Day or International Workers Day in Dhaka on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis joined May Day protests Wednesday ... more

Bangladeshi activists shout slogans and wave flags during a procession to mark May Day or International Workers Day in Dhaka on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis joined May Day protests Wednesday to demand the execution of textile bosses over the collapse of a factory complex, as rescuers warned the final toll could be more than 500. less

Bangladeshi activists shout slogans and wave flags during a procession to mark May Day or International Workers Day in Dhaka on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis joined May Day protests Wednesday ... more

A Tunisian man shouts as he takes part in a May Day rally in the capital Tunis on May 1, 2013. Tunisian trade unions workers (UGTT) said they were expecting 6000 people to march in support of striking dock workers. less

A Tunisian man shouts as he takes part in a May Day rally in the capital Tunis on May 1, 2013. Tunisian trade unions workers (UGTT) said they were expecting 6000 people to march in support of striking dock ... more

Photo: FETHI BELAID, AFP/Getty Images

A Tunisian man shouts as he takes part in a May Day rally in the... Photo-4556283.61437 - StamfordAdvocate

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Supporters of Sri Lanka's Marxist JVP or People's Liberation Front take part in a Labour Day demonstration in Colombo on May 1, 2013. Sri Lanka observed International labour day May 1 with a national holiday as opposition groups protested against a recent sharp increase in electricity tariffs. less

Supporters of Sri Lanka's Marxist JVP or People's Liberation Front take part in a Labour Day demonstration in Colombo on May 1, 2013. Sri Lanka observed International labour day May 1 with a national holiday ... more

Protesters hold placards reading "Your loot, my crisis" (L) and "Less thieves, more courage!" during a Labour Day march in the centre of Barcelona on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands protested across the globe for May Day to press for workers' rights amid tough economic times and to back an array of other causes. less

Protesters hold placards reading "Your loot, my crisis" (L) and "Less thieves, more courage!" during a Labour Day march in the centre of Barcelona on May 1, 2013. Tens of thousands protested across the globe ... more

Protestors circle around a burning effigy of Philippine president Benigno Aquino and US president Barack Obama on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. Philippine workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to demand, among other things, better pay, an end to contractualization and layoff and the lowering of prices of basic commodities. Labor day is celebrated across South East Asia on May 1st and is seen as an opportunity to acknowledge the social and economic accomplishments of the workers. less

Protestors circle around a burning effigy of Philippine president Benigno Aquino and US president Barack Obama on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. Philippine workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to ... more

Labor groups and trade unions march near the presidential palace on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. The Philippines workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to demand, among other things, better pay, an end to contractualization and lower prices of basic commodities. Labor day is celebrated across South East Asia on May 1st and is seen as an opportunity to acknowledge the social and economic accomplishments of the workers. less

Labor groups and trade unions march near the presidential palace on May 1, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. The Philippines workers unions gather in the streets of Manila to demand, among other things, better pay, ... more